Then in went the lengths of aluminium - three or four at a time. The process generates quite a bit of heat and fumes when done on a large scale - hence all the work was being done outside. Heaps of bubbles and brown (copper residue) float up from the metal. We were doing a deep etch so the panels remained in the etchant for at least 6 minutes.

The resist was was then cleaned off with methylated sports and lots of elbow crease - took me a good 1.5 hours to clean the 10 panels - but what a reward when you see the etched and cleaned pieces. Before I etched I added a leaf motif outline to the bottom of each of the peace word panels - it worked.

absolutely beautiful. i am guessing this is a heavy gauge metal. when one does it for jewelry, you 'float' your metal face down into the etchant solution. this is great though, because you can be sure not go get bubbles that interfere with your design. you two did a wonderful job - really really impressive. actually, you've got me thinking - you either add resist to the back or tape - then even jeweler's sized pieces can be in the solution face up. you are inspiring, b - i admire you and fiona so much.

C, V, L, JM, J EM, & MJ - talk about being neglectful - thanks for checking out the big etch and for your much appreciated comments. C & L - one of the reasons I still like the blog is the ability to share the process - I know I like other artists doing that. V - I'm hoping to complete the work in the coming week - I tho am looking forward to the installation - an a few photos with the rock in the background before they go to their new home. JM & J - I was pleased that the contrast worked - sigh of relief. EM - thanks for comment about simple shapes - clear lines is what I was aiming for. MJ - the metal is 2.5mm thick. The back was painted to stop any reaction. On smaller items we tend to use tape. Good to have the F&B team working on some of these bigger jobs. Maybe we could aim for an installation on 21 September!!! All - peace. B